Privacy Policy &
Notice of Privacy Practices

I. Our Privacy Pledge and Duties

We are required by law to maintain the privacy of your health information and to provide you with this notice explaining our legal duties and privacy practices.

• We reserve the right to change our privacy practices and will notify you of any changes by updating this policy on our website.
• You can access this privacy policy at any time on our website.

II. Permissible Uses and Disclosures Without Authorization

We may use or disclose your health information without your written authorization in the following circumstances:

Treatment, Payment, or Healthcare Operations

We may share your information with healthcare providers, insurers, or third-party service providers directly involved in your care.

Appointment Reminders and Health Information

We may contact you to remind you of appointments or to provide information about treatment alternatives relevant to your care.

Public Health and Legal Obligations

We may disclose your information as required for public health activities, legal obligations, or to prevent serious health or safety risks.

III. Disclosures to Family and Caregivers

We may disclose your health information to family members or caregivers who are directly involved in your care, unless you request otherwise in writing.

IV. Uses and Disclosures Requiring Your Authorization

Any use or disclosure of your health information outside the circumstances described in this policy requires your written authorization. You may revoke that authorization at any time in writing. Revocation will not affect actions already taken in reliance on your prior authorization.

V. Your Individual Rights

You have the following rights with respect to your Protected Health Information (PHI):

Right to Receive Confidential Communications

You can request that we contact you in a specific way (e.g., via email or phone) or at a specific location. We will accommodate all reasonable requests.

Right to Request Restrictions

You can ask us to limit how we use or share certain health information. While we will consider your request carefully, we are not required to agree to all restrictions. If you pay for a service in full out of pocket, you may ask us not to share that information with your health insurer for payment purposes, and we will honor that request unless required by law.

Right to Access and Amend Your Health Information

You may request access to or amendments of your health records. All requests must be submitted in writing. We will provide a copy or summary of your records, typically within 30 days. A reasonable, cost-based fee may apply. If we deny your amendment request, we will explain why in writing within 60 days.

Right to an Accounting of Disclosures

You may request a list of disclosures we have made of your PHI for up to six years prior to your request, including who received the information and why. This excludes disclosures made for treatment, payment, or routine healthcare operations. We will provide one accounting per year at no charge; additional requests within 12 months may incur a reasonable fee.

Right to a Paper Copy of This Notice

You may request a physical copy of this privacy policy at any time, even if you originally agreed to receive it electronically. We will provide it to you promptly.

Right to Choose a Representative

If you have designated someone with medical power of attorney, or if someone is your legal guardian, that person may exercise your rights and make decisions regarding your health information on your behalf. We will verify the person's authority before taking any action.

Right to File a Complaint

If you believe your privacy rights have been violated, you may file a complaint with Wild Root Direct Care directly using the contact information below, or with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office for Civil Rights:

• Mail: 200 Independence Avenue, S.W., Washington, D.C. 20201
• Phone: 1-877-696-6775
• Website: www.hhs.gov/hipaa/filing-a-complaint/

We will never retaliate against you for filing a complaint.

VI. Your Choices

For certain health information, you have the right and choice to tell us how to share your information in the situations described below. Please speak with us about your preferences.

You have the right to tell us to:

• Share information with your family, close friends, or others involved in your care
• Share information in a disaster relief situation

If you are unable to communicate your preferences (e.g., in an emergency), we may share your information if we believe it is in your best interest or necessary to prevent a serious threat to health or safety.

We will never share your information for the following purposes without your written permission:

• Marketing purposes
• Sale of your information
• Most sharing of psychotherapy notes

VII. Our Uses and Disclosures

We typically use or share your health information in the following ways:

To Treat You

We may use your health information and share it with other professionals involved in your care, to coordinate treatment and provide the best possible outcomes.

To Run Our Practice

We use and share your health information to manage our practice, improve the quality of your care, and communicate with you when necessary.

For Public Health and Legal Purposes

We are permitted or required by law to share your information in situations that contribute to the public good, including:

• Preventing or controlling disease
• Assisting with product recalls
• Reporting adverse reactions to medications
• Reporting suspected abuse, neglect, or domestic violence
• Complying with state or federal law
• Responding to court orders, subpoenas, or law enforcement requests
• Supporting workers' compensation claims or government functions such as military or national security
• Working with coroners, medical examiners, or funeral directors upon death
• Supporting organ and tissue donation organizations

For more information, visit: www.hhs.gov/hipaa/for-individuals/guidance-materials-for-consumers/

VIII. Insurance Policy

Wild Root Direct Care is a Direct Primary Care practice. We do not accept insurance, Medicaid, or Medicare, and we will never bill these entities. By using our services, you acknowledge that you may not seek balance billing or reimbursement from Medicaid or Medicare for services rendered by Wild Root Direct Care.

IX. Our Responsibilities

• We are required by law to maintain the privacy and security of your Protected Health Information.
• We will notify you promptly if a breach occurs that may have compromised the privacy or security of your information.
• We must follow the duties and privacy practices described in this notice and provide you with a copy upon request.
• We will not use or share your information other than as described here, unless you authorize us to do so in writing. You may withdraw that authorization at any time by notifying us in writing.

X. Website and Cookies

Our website uses cookies to enhance your user experience. By using our website, you consent to our use of cookies in accordance with this privacy policy.

XI. Changes to This Notice

We reserve the right to change the terms of this privacy policy at any time. Changes will apply to all health information we hold about you. The updated notice will be available on our website, in our office, and upon request.

XII. Disclaimer

The information on this website is provided "as is" without warranties of any kind. Wild Root Direct Care is not liable for any damages arising from the use of our website or services.